Every evening the young fisherman goes out on the sea. He throws his nets into the water. When the wind blows from the land, he doesn't catch much fish. But when the wind blows from the sea, he catches lots of fish and he can sell them at the market.
One evening the fisherman's net is very heavy. He thinks, "Are all the fish in the sea in my net?" He pulls and pulls his net.
There are no fish or monsters(怪兽) in his net. But there is a little mermaid(美人鱼)and she is sleeping.
Her beauty makes the fisherman very happy. He takes the mermaid in his arms. Suddenly, she wakes up and cries like a seagull(海鸥)and she wants to go away.
"Please free me," the mermaid cries. "I am the only daughter of the king. My father is old and alone. "
"Make me a promise. (承诺)"says the fisherman. "I can free you. But please come when I call you. You can sing to me and to the fish. Then my nets can always be full of fish. "
"I promise. " cries the mermaid.
The fisherman opens his arms and frees the mermaid. She swims down under the water.
Every evening, the fisherman calls the mermaid. To thank the fisherman's help, she sings for him. Her song and her voice are sweet to his ears and his eyes are full of love.